Notable Cultural Tourist Attractions in Baños

Antiguas Lavanderías

(Cascada de la Virgen Sector)
The washhouses were used by women who washed clothes with water from the waterfall.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, at the lower part of the Cascada de la Virgen in Baños, a small stream (acequia) formed and was used by local people and housewives of the area as rustic washhouses.

The locals placed stones in this area in a disorderly way around the small channel that originated from the waterfall. There was also a pasture that was used to dry the clothes washed on these stones.

Many times, mudslides from the waterfall left the site unusable, filled with mud and rocks. For this reason, in 1943, the Junta de Mejoras Urbanas (the town’s governing body prior to the cantonization in 1944) saw the need to improve the place.

The Board built safer washhouses with proper conditions, including a well-cemented channel for the stream. The washhouses were constructed with the help of local residents through mingas (communal work) and contributions from foreign residents in Baños, as well as people from Ambato who had homes in the area.

“These washhouses were inaugurated in May 1943 and blessed by Father Sebastián Acosta, with the presence of illustrious and representative citizens of Baños such as Jorge Reyes, Napoleón Herrera, Vicente Vieira, among others,” highlighted Cristhian Varela, Tourism Director of the GAD Baños de Agua Santa.

Today, the site has been renewed, the waterfall illuminated, and on one side, colorful fountains were installed to encourage tourism.

Sigsi Huayco Caves

Sigsi Huayco, in the very heart of Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador, offers tourist experiences filled with history and comfort. It is located 300 meters from the Baños Bus Terminal, along the Baños–Puyo road heading toward Puyo.

Its paths hold the mystery once recalled by Rumiñahui: the first cave, 54 meters deep, descends into the very heart of Baños, while the second, 20 meters deep, shows the way toward the Llanganates. The Llanganates National Park, located northeast of Baños, is the cradle of the most fascinating legends, with the story of Valverde’s Derrotero reaching worldwide fame. The Derrotero is a treasure map that places the Llanganates as the site where Rumiñahui hid Atahualpa’s treasure.

For centuries, the caves remained hidden, treasured by the Gamboa family, who passed down the mysterious legend of the Sigsi Huayco grottoes from grandparents to grandchildren. On July 17, 2021, it was Rosa Gamboa who decided to share with the world this little corner of Baños’ nature, its good energies, and the fabulous…